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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. Winter has not yet officially begun, but tow truck drivers are staying busy responding to calls about car troubles because of the cold temperatures.

Mechanics tell KSPR that not everyone has jumper cables in their car for a dead battery, but they recommend it.

They also say it's not a bad idea to have a water bottle, and even a general safety kit that has a flashlight and even a blanket in case you get stranded on the side of the road.

Jason Harden is a tow truck driver with Terry's Auto Service and Towing in Springfield.

He said the company responds to several calls for dead batteries every day, and that only increases in the winter time. He’s had dozens of experiences with stranded drivers on the highway.

We caught up with Harden out on one of these types of calls on Sunday. The driver couldn't start his car in a parking lot.

Harden said the weather plays a big factor in battery problems. "It's easier to start a car in the summertime when it's warmer and in the winter time there's a lot more demand for the power of the battery to start a vehicle."

Harden added it's a good idea to take your car in for service to get it winterized. Have the battery and coolant levels checked before the temperatures start to fall even more.

Police say to keep your eye on road conditions as the weather starts to change, make sure your car is equipped in case you get stranded on a rural road, and to always wear your seat belt.